Exposure to parental incarceration and subsequent illicit drug use: A review of the literature

More than 2.3 million individuals are currently incarcerated in the United States. Nearly half of incarcerated individuals are parents of minor children. Results from research on drug use among children of incarcerated individuals are conflicting. The purpose of this literature review is to identify and summarize the evidence base on the associations between parental incarceration (PI) and subsequent drug use in the United States. We performed a literature search of studies that examined associations between exposure to parental incarceration and subsequent drug use. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and SocIndex to identify studies that reported illicit drug use outcomes among individuals with a parent or primary guardian who had been incarcerated in the United States. Sixteen studies were included in our analysis. There was substantial evidence that parental incarceration contributes to increased drug use and problematic drug-related behaviours in adolescence and adulthood, with positive associations reported in three-fourths of the studies (75%). The relationship was significant across a range of drug classes, including marijuana, cocaine, prescription pain medication, injection drugs and other illicit drugs. While more diverse research methodologies and studies that examine the larger family context and dynamics are needed to comprehensively assess the pathways to drug use among PI-exposed individuals, the current evidence base suggests that drug use prevention programs are needed to mitigate the increased likelihood of drug use. Early education drug use prevention programs and comprehensive assessments that identify potential triggers for drug use should be prioritized for this population.